Monday, October 24, 2011

Widespread claims of vote-buying in Bulgaria

SOFIA, Oct 24 - Widespread allegations of vote-buying and pressure on minorities, even if largely unproven, marred Bulgaria's presidential and local elections, international observers said Monday.

"Vote-buying is extremely difficult to observe and to prove and we do not have any true evidence," OSCE mission chief Vadim Zhdanovic told a press conference.

"But regardless of the veracity of the allegations of vote-buying, the fact that they are so persistent and widespread concerns us because it undermines public trust in the election process," he added. --->>>